Defensive Line
Jonathan Allen
Harrison Phillips
Javon Hargrave
Jalen Redmond
Taki Taimani
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Travis Bell
Jonathan Harris
On the offseason priority list, improving the defensive line was right behind improving the offensive line. The Vikings emphatically addressed both of the lines. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were early targets. The defensive line was an unheralded, workmanlike group last season. While they were often stout against the run, their pressure on the quarterback was minimal. Allen and Hargrave should change that. They’ve made their careers on harassing quarterbacks. Jalen Redmond, Taki Taimani, and Levi Drake Rodriguez are a promising group of youngsters behind the new first group. With Allen and Hargrave on the other side of 30, defensive line is still a need in the draft. It’s just not the immediate need it was a month ago.
Outside Linebackers
Jonathan Greenard
Andrew Van Ginkel
Dallas Turner
Gabriel Murphy
Bo Richter
The edge group is the strength of the defense. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel were a revelation in their first season in Minnesota. They played so well that first-round pick Dallas Turner saw limited snaps. When Turner did get a chance, he flashed his considerable natural skills. The more opportunities he gets in his second season the better. Greenard, Van Ginkel, and Turner will force defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the defensive coaches into finding ways to get the trio on the field as much as possible. As undrafted rookies, Gabriel Murphy and Bo Richter showed NFL abilities. Murphy caught the attention of coaches early in training camp. His fast start was slowed by an injury. It was an injury that forced him to start his rookie season on injured reserve. He’ll get another shot to earn playing time this offseason and training camp. Bo Richter made an impact on special teams. As with Murphy, he’ll get a shot at defensive snaps in his second season. A team can never have enough pass rushers but the Vikings outside linebackers look good as they are. I guess a concern is that Van Ginkel turns 30 in July.
Inside Linebackers
Blake Cashman
Ivan Pace Jr.
Eric Wilson
Brian Asamoah II
Max Tooley
The inside linebacker group is in good shape as well. Blake Cashman was excellent in his first season with the Vikings. He and Ivan Pace Jr. form a complimentary duo. Pace is very good coming downhill. Cashman is very good going side to side and dropping in coverage. Eric Wilson and Brian Asamoah II provide nice depth. Both are excellent on special teams. If for no other reason but competition, the inside linebacker group could use some reinforcements.
Cornerback
Byron Murphy Jr.
Mekhi Blackmon
Isaiah Rodgers
Jeff Okudah
Dwight McGlothern
NaJee Thompson
Tavierre Thomas
Ambry Thomas
Nahshon Wright
Reddy Steward
Kahlef Hailassie
The Vikings cornerbacks are in much better shape than they were at this point last season. That isn’t really saying much. Byron Murphy Jr. was a priority re-signing this offseason. The Vikings accomplished that. Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah were added in free agency. The most optimistic of observers might see this as a group with some potential. In reality, Murphy is the only corner that’s truly proven. Cornerback is the defensive position most in need of immediate, high end upgrades.
Safety
Harrison Smith
Joshua Metellus
Theo Jackson
Jay Ward
Bubba Bolden
Harrison Smith returning for his 14th season keeps safety from being an immediate need. The sad day when he retires has been a year away for a few years. Calling Joshua Metellus a safety takes away his greatest strength. He plays all over the defense. While Theo Jackson has earned a shot to start, his ability to actually do so remains to be seen. Jay Ward has been an integral special teams player since he was drafted in 2021. He should be ready for increased snaps on defense. Safety isn’t an immediate need but it’s a year away from being a position of significant need.
Minnesota Vikings defensive needs:
1. Cornerback - early in the draft
2. Safety - early in the draft
3. Defensive Line - early in the draft
4. Inside Linebackers - later in the draft/undrafted
5. Outside Linebackers - only if a unique player somehow is available
With only four draft picks in total, and only two in the first three rounds, it’s currently impossible for the Vikings to address cornerback, safety, and defensive line early in the draft. That’s why a trade back might be their most likely first round option.
The Vikings have done enough work through the first few weeks of free agency to set themselves up for a draft in which they don’t have to address any particular position. That’s a very good thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment